Bougainville gets new FM transmitter
The newly independent radio station in the Autonomous region of Bougainville – New Dawn FM – received another boost yesterday when the German ambassador to Australia, Martin Lutz, signed a memorandum of understanding to fund the 300 watt FM transmitter.
The ambassador told a press conference at the Buka airport that Germany was one of the biggest contributors to the European Union projects and in his familiarisation visit, he would try to visit some of these projects
Ambassador Lutz also made a courtesy call on Autonomous Bougainville Government President Joseph Kabui and acting administrator Raymond Masono and also saw a building project at the Hahela Catholic church before signing the MoU with the FM radio station later in the evening.
Mr Lutz said that the project would be funded under the embassy’s micro projects funds.
The FM transmitter and other accessories are expected to cost about K30,000.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the New Dawn FM board, Carolus Ketsimur in thanking the German government said: “The inclusion of our radio station in the airwaves will be a great boost in helping our region move forward.”
The station will be broadcasting from the FM frequency 95.3.
Press Release 2007-11-22
European BCL Shareholders Laud Germany’s Technical Support for New Dawn FM in Bougainville
The European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper (ESBC) are very satisfied that the German Government supports the new independent radio station New Dawn FM with technical supply. “The new FM transmitter will help to bring information even to remote places on the island”, said ESBC President Axel G. Sturm on Thursday, “This will it make far easier to bring all Bougainvilleans together and will strengthen their own Bougainville identity. In a country that is hit from time to time by earthquakes or tsunamis a good working radio station may even help to save lives.”
“As most of the ESBC members are Germans”, said Mr Sturm, “we are particularly proud that the German ambassador to PNG, Mr Martin Lutz, came to Bougainville to sign the memorandum of understanding. There has been a special relation between Germany and Bougainville since the island had been a German colony one century ago. We will try to motivate more German institutions to help the Bougainvilleans to build up a modern society und respect of their old tradition. We think that Bougainville is on a good way to become a ‘pole of peace’ in the region. We are sure that New Dawn FM can help to convince the last freedom fighters to destroy their weapons and to be a part of the peace process. Remember: The Germans built up a destroyed country after World War 2. This may be a good example for Bougainville after years of unrest. In Europe the memory of millions who died between 1939 and 1945 went hand in hand with a vision of a better future life in peace and freedom. So we appeal to all Bougainvilleans to stand up and work together!”